The Antidote to Loneliness

A January interview with Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General reported that loneliness is becoming a public health crisis. Murthy has been raising awareness about the loneliness epidemic and its serious consequences. In his 2023 report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” Murthy highlighted the links between loneliness and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Young people are especially affected, with 79% of adults aged 18-24 reporting feeling lonely, compared to 41% of those 66 and older.

Murthy believes the solution lies not in focusing on ourselves but in fostering deeper connections with others through relationships, service, and community. He notes that modern society often emphasizes self-centered pursuits like acquiring and achieving more, which fail to address the root causes of loneliness. Instead, he emphasized the joy that comes from connecting to something bigger than ourselves, calling service “one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness.”

Social media plays a significant role in the loneliness epidemic. While apps like Instagram and TikTok allow for increased contact, they often fail to nurture meaningful, deep connections. Murthy explained that the shift from having confidants to contacts, and from friends to followers, has diminished the quality of our relationships. The superficial nature of online interactions can’t replace the intimacy and trust built through face-to-face conversations.

To combat loneliness, Murthy recommends investing time in fewer but deeper relationships, engaging in acts of service, and building community. Small gestures, such as bringing dinner to a busy friend or helping someone overwhelmed, can reduce feelings of isolation and foster connection. Likewise, using personal skills to contribute to a greater cause—like volunteering—can create a sense of purpose and belonging.

Murthy said, “Building community is one of the most important things we can do for our health and wellbeing. By prioritizing genuine connections and collective purpose, we can address loneliness and its widespread impact on mental and physical health.”

Murthy’s solution sounds a whole lot like the activity and congregation of a healthy church! That is why connecting to, and gathering with a healthy, Bible believing fellowship of believers is a powerful antidote to loneliness. The fellowship of believers is a God-designed place where we find soul friends. It is one of the reasons that we gather with one another each week for worship and Bible study.

Studies indicate that most of us do not have many genuine friendships, but we do need some to encourage and stick with us through thick and thin. For that, look no further than the church. Then remember, the Bible says, “…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) There is one genuine friend that all of us can have. That friend of course is Jesus who is always with us to protect, assist, and direct us. He is someone who never sleeps and always looks out for us. He loves us and demonstrated His friendship by dying for us. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

We all need friends and particularly we need Jesus our forever friend. Have you met Him, and made Him your friend? He’ll never forsake or leave you. And remember God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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